2007-2008
Your Right to Know &
Academic Policies Handbook

Introduction

Updates to Your Right to Know & Academic Policies Handbook

The Your Right to Know & Academic Policies Handbook is updated as the College approves new and/or updated policies and procedures. Therefore, please visit our Web site at www.brockport.edu/publications/yrtk for the most current edition. Individual departments and offices, who are responsible for policies, may also update them on their Web site.

Students

Federal and state laws require institutions of higher education in New York state to provide students with specific information regarding health, safety, rights of privacy, and services for the disabled, affirmative action policies and academic eligibility for financial aid. The Your Right to Know & Academic Policies Handbook is published annually as a compendium of such information. In addition, certain complex and detailed SUNY Brockport policies and procedures are also included as well as an explanation of applicable rules, policies and procedures.

The Your Right to Know & Academic Policies Handbook is an important publication, but you should possess a current edition of the College catalog (either Graduate Studies or Undergraduate Studies). The catalogs also contain information on College policies and procedures applicable to students, as well as academic programs and registered courses.

If you have questions concerning any of the material contained in this publication, please contact the office or person identified in the relevant section. If no such source is provided, call the Family/Student Helpline at (585) 395-2796 or e-mail helpline@brockport.edu.

The Right of Students to the Freedom of Speech
“Certain rules and regulations of State University of New York College at Brockport have been amended to clarify the right of all students at the College to the freedom of speech and expression. The following policies, rules, regulations and statements have been amended as of May 4, 2005: SUNY Brockport Better Community Statement, Your Right to Know & Academic Policies Handbook, SUNY Brockport Undergraduate Studies Catalog, the SUNY Brockport Graduate Studies Catalog, the SUNY Brockport Student Services Guide, the SUNY Brockport Faculty/Staff Handbook, the SUNY Brockport Affirmative Action Policies and Laws, SUNY Brockport Policy Regarding Non-Discrimination and Harassment and SUNY Brockport policies covering joint programs with the Nazareth College of Rochester. Accordingly, the printed versions of the foregoing policies, rules, regulations and statements have been superseded by the amended versions. To view the amended versions of the foregoing policies, please visit the Publications page at our Web site at: www.brockport.edu/publications/

Mission Statement

Mission Statement — The State University of New York College at Brockport
Is committed to providing a liberal arts and professional education — at both the undergraduate and graduate level — for those who have the necessary ability and motivation to benefit from high quality public higher education;

Has the success of its students as the highest priority, emphasizing student learning, and encompassing admission to graduate and professional schools, employment and civic engagement in a culturally diverse society and in globally interdependent communities; and

Is committed to advancing teaching, scholarship, creative endeavors and service to the College community and greater society by supporting the activities of an outstanding faculty and staff.

Mission Statement —Your Right to Know & Academic Policies Handbook
Is a compilation of policies and procedures, which must be known and to which adherence is expected expressly by all students, both undergraduates and graduates, inside and outside the classroom, on and off campus;

Is designed to inform students of their rights and responsibilities relative to academics, academic services, student social conduct and appeals, on-campus housing, health, safety, and other College policies;

Is distributed to ensure students’ access to the College’s expectations and to comply with federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies; and,

Is developed to assist students with making appropriate choices and successfully completing their college years.

Campus Emergency Plan

SUNY Brockport’s guidelines for responding to disasters, emergencies or other extraordinary conditions are described in detail in its “Disaster/Emergency Management Plan” available from and distributed by the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. The information of most immediate concern to the typical student, however, is the following:

Where to Get Information
In the event of any type of disaster, emergency or other extraordinary condition that might result in the closing of the College, the cancellation of classes, the curtailment of services, or some other deviation from normal operations, critical information will be available from the following sources:

Tune to:	Radio station WHAM 1180 AM; radio station WBSU 89.1 FM, The Point; and WHAM-TV (Channel 13)
Visit:	The College Web site at brockport.edu
Call:	University Police at (585) 395-2226; the Helpline at (585) 395-2796 or Weather reports at (585) 395-COLD

Extraordinary Weather Conditions and Storms
The official College policy regarding extraordinary weather conditions requires that normal operations be continued as much as possible, that essential College services be maintained and that College employees remain on duty where necessary to perform essential services. If a decision is made to cancel classes for the day, the campus community will be notified on the official news stations by 5 am.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency
In case of an emergency or disaster, this is what you should do to keep yourself safe:

Find some place safe and stay there. If you are safe where you are: in your residence hall room, in class, in Seymour College Union, in Drake Memorial Library, etc., you should stay there. If you must leave a safe place, tell someone in charge, and let her/him know where you are going.
Stay informed and follow instructions. Listen to the person in charge of the area where you are. News may be conveyed in person or by phone, e-mail or the College’s Web site.
Check in. On-campus students should check in with their resident assistants or resident directors, once it is safe to do so. Off-campus students, if on campus, should check in at Seymour College Union or another location as instructed. Faculty and staff should contact their department chair or unit head.
Stay calm. Under stress, we all get excited. It is a natural reaction. However, your safety may depend on staying calm and following instructions.

For any questions regarding what to do, contact the Helpline at (585) 395-2796 or University Police at (585) 395-2226.

Who is in Charge?
In disasters or other major emergencies, the chief of University Police is designated as the director of emergency management and will operate from a predetermined command post.

On-campus emergencies might include prolonged power outage, snowstorm, air contamination, chemical spill, bleacher/ building collapse, civil disturbance, fire and food-borne illness. Whether such events would be classified as an emergency is a matter of scale, and will be determined at the appropriate time by the chief of University Police with appropriate consultation.

Reporting an Emergency
Any natural or human-caused event that threatens life or property should be reported directly to the University Police’s emergency number at (585) 395-2222. Please note: In the event of an injury to an individual requiring emergency care and transportation, do not call 911 or otherwise directly summon an ambulance. Call University Police at (585) 395-2222. Officers will summon an ambulance if required, and will also manage traffic and related matters. All University Police are trained in first aid and CPR.

2007-2008
Your Right to Know &
Academic Policies Handbook

Table of Contents

Other Essential Links:

Introduction

Students

Mission Statement

Campus Emergency Plan

2007-2008Your Right to Know &Academic Policies Handbook

Table of Contents

Other Essential Links:

Introduction

Students

Mission Statement

Campus Emergency Plan

2007-2008
Your Right to Know &
Academic Policies Handbook